Automobile lift and turntable



Aug. 3, 1937.

E. E. WOODMAN AUTOMOBILE LIFT 'AND TURNTABLE Filed Sept. 5, 1936 3Sheets-Sheet 1 I 9 I I3 24 2 20 I2 I E 1N VENT OR [ilk/ WOO a'mamATTORNEY.

Aug. 3, 1937- E. E. WOODMAN AUTOMOBILE LIFT AND TURNTABLE Filed Sept. 3,1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. fkbcfiWaa/mm 1937- v E. E. WOODMAN2,089,082

AUTOMOBILE LIFT AND TURNTABLE Filed Sept. 5, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 3INVENT OR. Enoch E. Woodman.

ATTORNEY. I

Patented A g- 9 7 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application September 20Claims.

This invention relates to an automobile lift and turntable.

It is common experience that an automobile occasionally requiresservicing that involves lifting the automobile clear of the ground. Itis convenient, at such times, to be able to turn the automobile about ,avertical axis while it is lifted from the ground. In addition to theneed for servicing the automobile occasionally, it is also commonexperience that many driveways into private garages are so situated thatit is both desirable. to turn the automobile around in the driveway and,at the same time, it is difficult to do so without operating the carbeyond the confines of the driveway. It is desirable to provide a liftand turntable which may be operated for raising an automobile from theground and for turning it end to end, in the private driveway.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel lift and turntablewhich will satisfy the above described requirements.

Lifts for automobiles, which raise the entire automobile from the groundand upon which the automobile may be turned about, are well known inservice station use. Such lifts and turntables are satisfactory forcommercial use-but are beyond the range of commercial availability forthe automobile owner interested only in a lift and turntable forhandling his own car. It is an object of this invention to provide anovel lift and turntable which is characterized b-y simple andinexpensive construction and which is adequately strong and durable forthe functions which it is intended to perform. I

Commercial lifts for automobiles involve considerable equipment fortheir operation and must be operated by trained service men. Ob-

viously, a lift and turntable adapted -for private use should be suchasrequires only the simplest of manipulation to set it into operation andcause it to perform its functions. It is an object of this invention toprovide a novel lift and turntable having the structure and mode ofoperation such that it may be set into operation and will carry througha complete cycle of its operations by the simple manipulation of a. Itis an object of lever, foot pedal, or switch. this invention to providea novel lift and turntable which will operate upon the manipulation of asingle instrumentality to raise an automobile from the ground, to turnthe automobile about, to lower the automobile to the ground, and toreturn itself to non-operating position.

A great many of the instances, when there is 3, 1936, Serial No. 99,199

occasion for the use of an automobile lift and turntable, occur at thehome or at some other particular location. It is an object of thisinvention to provide an automobile lift and turntable which may beinstalled as a unit at some particular location. However, there are manyinstances when it is desirable to have a lift and turntable with theautomobile at all times, to be used at the drivers convenience. It is anobject of this invention to provide a novel lift and turntable mountedin combination with an automobileand adapted to be carried with theautomobile and to be put into use as desired. It is an object of thisinvention to provide a novel lift and turntable and means combined withan automobile adapted for raising and lowering the lift as a unit to andfrom the automobile, and adapted to support the automobile from the liftwhen the lift is being operated, to raise the automobile, and to turnthe automobile.

1 Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear inthe following detailed description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a view in cross section ofthe lift and turntable of this invention.

Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the unit of Figure 1, combined withmeans for mounting the unit on the automobile frame.

Figure 3 is a side elevation illustrating the lift and turntable mountedupon an automobile and means for raising and lowering the unit relativeto the automobile frame.

Figure 4 is a view, in plan, of a detail of the invention, illustratingthe structure for supporting the lift, when in raised position, upon theautomobile frame.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an electrical circuit for operatingthe lift and turntable of Figures 1, 2, and 3. I Figure 6 is a detailedview in cross section of the means for connecting the lift to theautomobile frame.

' Figure '7 is a cross sectional view, taken on line l l of Figure 8,illustrating a mechanism for operating the lift of a modified form of myinvention. I Figure 8 is a vertical cross sectional view, taken on line8-8 of Figure 7.

Figures 9, 10, and 11, are views, in cross section,

The lift and turntable of this invention is provided with a base Iadapted to rest freely upon the ground or pavement as indicated at 2. Inthat form of the invention wherein the lift and turntable is mounted fortransportation with the automobile, the base I is arranged to restfreely upon the ground or pavement so that it may be lifted at any time.In that form of the invention wherein the device is intended to be fixedin a place, as a driveway unit, for example, the base I may be embeddedin the ground or in concrete as desired.

In the interest of economy of manufactureand.

in order to keep the weight of the device at a minimum, the base I maybe'made on comparatively thin sheet metal formed to provide a maximum ofrigidity and strength. For example, the base I may consist of thehubengaging portion, the spoke portion, and the rim engagingportion of adisk or pressed sheet metal automobile wheel. Such a structure isadequately strong and'light, and is comparatively inexpensive. Thedevice of this invention is provided with a top plate '3, adapted toengage or to be connected with axles or frame of an automobile. Therequirements of strength and rigidity of top plate 3 aresimilar to thoseof base I and in the interests of economy of manufacture, the'top plate3 is standard with the base I, the top plate being arranged upsidedown'relative to the base I, as shown in Figure 1. The connectionsbetween the top plate'3 and the automobile frame willbe described later.

The load of the automobile, received by the top plate 3, must betransferred to the base I and.

. plate3 relative to the base I.

- invention, a hollow screw 4 is arranged to'be supmeans must beprovided for raising the loaded top According to this ported on andwithin bearing plate 5, mounted on Anti-friction bearings 1 plate 5. Themargin of the screw end extends within the margin of bearing plate 5,there being lateral engagement therebetween which affords lateralsupport for the lower end. of screw 4. A

vrelative to the base plate I. extends .through an aperture I'I, formedin the and through a central aperture in capplate I2.

.Cap plate I2 is fixed upon the top of screw 4 and turns about the postII as the screw 4 turns. The bearingbetween the aperture in cap plate I2and the post I I supports the top of the screw 1 4 against lateraldisplacement. A collar I3 is fixed .on the post .I I and engages the capplate I2 on the side distant from the interior of screw 4.

The collar I3 secures the screw 4 in place on the bearing plate 5. Thusscrew 4 is securely mounted on the'base' I and supported against bothvertical and lateral displacement relative'to the base I,

while being mounted for rotation about a vertical" axis relative .to'the, base I.

The screw 4 is fitted with the internal gear I4, engaged by spur gearI5, driven from the. motor I 0. I Operation of the motor I Dturnsthe'screw 4 top plate 3 and the radius arm I6 is provided with .a hub,I8 journalled on the collar I3. A latch I9 carried upon the radius armI6 is adapted to en- 5 age a slot 20' in the collar I'3.

I9 is engaged with the slot in collar I3, the'radius An electrical motorII! is fixed to the A radius arm I 6' When the latch arm I6 is heldagainst rotation relative to base I by the rigid post II. The engagementbetween the radius arm I6 and top plate 3 at the aperture I'I holds thetop plate 3 against rotation relative to base I so long as the latch I9remains engaged. Non-rotation of top plate 3, and the nut 8 fixed to thetop plate, during operation of screw 4 by motor I0, causes the nut 8 totravel along the screw 4. The motor III is reversible to drive the screw4 in-either directionof rotation and thereby to causethe nut .8 .andtop' plate 3 totravel either up or down the screw 4. A solenoid 20 ismounted upon the radius arm I6 in operative association with the latchI9 so as to withdraw the latch I9 from engaged position uponenergization of the solenoid. A spring 2I is prothe'motor exertedthrough screw 4 upon the nut 8 tends to turn top plate'3 relative to thebase I.

When thelatch I9 isreleased, freeing the top".

plate for'rotation, the motor I0 operates to' turn the automobile aboutthe vertical axis ofscrew 4.

Inasmuch as the friction between the nut 8 and screw -4is-large comparedto the friction atthe bearing 1, the nut 8 and plate 3 turn withthescrew 4 on the bearing'l. Should the automobile strike an obstructionwhile turning, the result would be only that the nutB would begin totravel up or downthe screw 4. automobile has been lifted to clearthe-ground;

If desired, when the themotor I0 may be stopped and the automobile maybe turned by hand. The turning movement of the automobile by hand may beeffected by withdrawing the latch I9. If the gear train between themotor'and the internal gear I4 does not involve awormdrive, rotationwill take place at bearing I, the screw turning with the nut. The resultis that the motor is driven by the turningmovementof the automobile andthe screw 4 turnswith the top plate 3 on the bearing I.

will be held against rotation relative to the base. Manual rotation ofthe car will cause rotation of the nut on the screw, with travel'eitherupor downthe screw.

The rotation of top plate 3 and theautomobile carried thereby may be ineither direction of rotation whether that turning movement be effectedmanually or by operation of motor ID. A limit switch 2| may be mountedupon the radius arm I6 to be engaged by thehub of top plate 3 .as thetop plate nears the upward limit of its movement. The limit switch 2I'operates to cut out the motor and thus prevent damage to the device. Asimilar limit switch 22 is mounted on the base I and is adapted to beengaged by the top plate-3 when the'latter approaches-the lower limit ofits travel. Limit switch 22 operates to cut the motor out and. preventdamage to the unit. Electrical cable 23 may extend from the battery ofthe automobile to slip rings 24' electrically connected with motor I0.An electrical circuit for operating the unit I is shown in Figure '5.The solenoid 20'is connected in a series with switch 24 across thesource of power 25. Switch 24 may be arranged conveniently in theoperators compartment of the automobile and may be operated at anytime.A double pole double throw switch 28 is connected across the battery 25.Switch points 21 and 28 are connected with If the gear train involves aworm drive, the screw the brushes engaging the motor commutator. Switchpoints 29 and 30 are connected with the brushes of the commutatorreversely with respect to the connections leading from switch points 21and 28. Operation of switch 26 in one direction of throw will drive themotor inone direction of rotation while operation of switch 26 in theother direction of throw will operate the motor in the reversedirection. Limit switch 2| is connected in a series between the switchpoint 30 and a motor brush. Limit switch 22 is con nected in a seriesbetween switch contact 21 and a motor brush.

Assuming that the top plate 3 is in lowered position where limit switch22 is open, the switch 25 being left in position for engagement withpoints 21 and 28, upon throwing the switch 21 to the position wherepoints 29 and 30 are engaged, the motor I0 is set into operation in adirectionsuch as to cause the nut 8 to travel up the screw 4, the switch24 being open so that the radius arm It prevents rotation of top plate 3relative to base I. At anytime during the upward travel of nut 8 on thescrew 4, after the automobile has been lifted from the ground, theswitch 24 may be operated manually to release the latch l9 and cause theautomobile to turn about a vertical axis. Actuation of switch 24withdraws the latch l9 and allows the turning movement to begin.Immediate reopening of switch 24 will cause the latch l9 to be thrustinto the next notchby the spring when the automobile has completed apredetermined fraction of a revolution, 180 for example (the collar 3has at least'two notches, spaced 180 apart, and may have a larger numberof notches regularly spaced if desired) Actuation of switch 24 may occurwhile the motor'l 0 aperture 55 is of a shape to accommodate thecontinues to operate, or the motor l0 may be stopped and the switch 24actuated to withdraw the latch l9, whereupon the motor l0 may be drivenin either direction of rotation to turn the automobile about thevertical axis. Or, switch 26 may be thrown out of engagement with eitherset of contacts and the automobile turned manually after actuation ofswitch 24 to release the latch l9. If the top plate 3 travels to the topof screw 4, the limit switch 2| will be'opened to prevent furtheroperation of the motor in that direction of rotation. Reversal of switch26 will cause the motor I!) to reverse the direction of rotation and tomove the top plate 3 down the screw 4..

So far, the structure of the lift and turntable has been described. Themanner of association of the turntable with the automobile will bedescribed next. A structure is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 forconnecting the lift and turntable with the automobile frame, the liftand turntable to be carried with the automobile at all times. The topplate 3 has the upturned margin 3|) to which brackets 3| are attached inany suitable conventional manner. The brackets 3| are arranged in pairsat 90 intervals about the margin 30. Collapsible connections 32 "extendfrom the brackets 3| to brackets 33 fastened to the side frame members34 of the automobile.

- The particular construction and arrangement-of the collapsibleconnections 32 may be varied within the scope of this invention and mayinclude,

for example, bars pivoted at their ends to brackets 3| and 33 andconnected by a hinge at their juxtaposed ends so as to form anelbow-like joint which may be straightened to a position where the barsform a stiff load bearing compression member. One suitable form ofcollapsible member 32 is illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 6, andconsists of tubes 34 and 35 arranged in telescoping relation. The tube34 is pivoted as indicated at 36 to a pair of brackets 3| and the tube35 is pivoted to a bracket 33, as indicated at 31. r

39 may be withdrawn from engagement with any part of tube 34 by a cable43 connected with pin 44 attached to the projection 39. A bracket 45 ismounted upon the tube 35 to limit the displacement of leaf spring 38under the tension exerted through cable 43 on projection 39.

As shown in Figure 3, the cables 43 are trained over pulleys 46,supported upon cross bars 41, extending between the side frames 34 ofthe automobile. The cables lead to a central pulley 48 rotatably mountedupon cross member 49 extending between side members 34 of theautomobile. The cables 43 connect with a common cable 50 which istrained over pulley 5| and leads to a handle 52 arranged in theoperators compartment of the automobile, the cable 59 extending throughan aperture 53 in the floor board. A tension spring 54 connects at oneend with cable 50 and at the other end with a bracket 55 fixed upon theautomobile frame. 1

When the lift and turntable is in raised position, where it is carriedduring travel of the auto-"- moble, the cap plate i2 extends through anaperture 56 in cross member 49, see Figure 4. The

radius arm It, as shown in Figure 4. A yoke 51 is mounted for lateralsliding movement along cross member 49, and a spring 58 is arranged toengage the yoke at one end and to engage a bracket 59 at the other end.A shaft 50 of the yoke is guidedby bracket 59. A cable 5| connects withthe shaft 53, is trained about pulley 62, rotatably mounted on the crossmember 49, and leads to a pedal 63 arranged in the operatorscompartment. When the lift and turntable is arranged in uppermostposition, the yoke 51 extends beneath the margin of cap plate l2,

as illustrated in Figure 4, and supports the lift during travel of theautomobile. When it is desired to make use of the lift and turntable;the pedal 63 is operated to withdraw the yoke 51 against the force ofspring 58 and thus to release the cap plate l2 of the lift. The liftmoves downwardly toward the ground by its own weight. The spring 54acting on cable 55 and cables 43, resists the downward movement of thelift and allows it to fall at a safe speed. The blade springs are heldagainst the brackets 45 by the tension exerted on cables 43 bythefalling lift, see Figure 6. When the lift and turntable reaches theground, the force exerted by the weightof the When the projection andwill rise without substantially tilting to either side or at either end.The lift is driven through a cycle of operations described above,

to raise the automobile above the ground where it may be serviced andreturned to the ground, or where it may be turned about a vertical axisto another position and returned to the ground. The dash line 64indicates the level of the wheels as indicated in Figure 3. When theautomobile is returned to the ground, and it is desired to return thelift to traveling position, handle 52 is pulled by the operator,applying tension through the cable 50 to cables 43 tending to raise thelift. The pull exerted by the operator is assisted by spring 50. Thefirst action of the pull exerted by the operator is to retract theprojections 39 out of engaged position, thereby releasing collapsiblemembers 32 so that the tubes 34 and 35 may telescope. The leaf springs38 flex until sup ported by the brackets 45 when the combined forceexerted by the operator and the spring 50 raises the lift from theground to a position where the cap plate I2 moves through the aperture56 in cross member 49. Upon releasing pedal 63, spring 58 moves the yoke51 into position underneath the cap plate and when the operator releasesthe handle 52, the lift will be supported by yoke 51 and cross member 49in travelling position.

The device shown in Figures 1 to 6 and described above requiresconsiderable manual manipulation to effect its operation. Another formof the invention essentially automatic in its operation is illustratedin Figures 7 to 11. The

base I, the top plate 3, screw 4, and the nut 8 are essentially the sameas those illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. A bushing I is pressed inthe central portion of base I. A base plate H is arranged across thebottom of the central opening of base I and is secured in place by boltsI2 threaded into the bushing I0. The base plate II central aperture incap plate 83. fitted with bushing 86 through which the post 82 is madewith a centrally raised portion I3 adapted to fit within a race 14 ofthe ball bearing 15 so as to position the race I4 and to hold itsecurely in place. The other race I6 of the bearing is pressed intorecess 11 in the end of screw margin of the housing I8 for adequatescrew connection. The cover plate 80 has, integral therewith, hollowpost 82 extending axially of screw 4. A cap plate 83 is secured to thescrew 4 by bolts 84 and is provided with a collar 85 pressed in a Collar85 is extends in running engagement. A collar 81 is removably fixed onthe hollow post 82 by a suitable means such as a pin 88. The face ofcollar '81 engages the bushing 86 with a running fit. The 1 bushing 86,fixed in cap plate 83, together'with post 82 and collar 81, affordbearing support for the screw 4 against lateral displacement and againstdisplacement in a vertical direction away from the base. If desired, thecollar 81 may be threaded on the post 82 and may be adjusted as desiredto afford a close running fit at the bushing 86 and at the ball bearingI so as to support the screw 4 without vibration or chattering.

An electricmotor 89 is mounted in, or may be a part of, the housing I8.The shaft of the motor is indicated at 90. The motor is reversible.

A friction clutch 9| is splined on the shaft 90 so as to be carried inrotation therewith but to be free for longitudinal movement on theshaft. The clutch 9| is provided with friction faces at both ends andwith a circumferential recess 92 extending there-around between the endshoulders 93. A yoke 94 has projections 95 arranged to extend into therecess 92. The yoke is provided with apertures, not shown, in the arms96 through which a shaft 91 extends. The fit of. the apertures in thearms 96, of yoke 94, on the shaft 91 is such that the shaft 91 and theyoke 94 each may turn without interfering with turning movement of theother. The yoke 94 has stem 98 to which is attached a compression spring99. The otherend of spring 99 engages an abutment I00 mounted on theside wall of the housing I8. The spring 99 is arranged so that its axisis directed toward the axis of rotation of the yoke, about the shaft 91,when the clutch 9| is in an intermediate position. The spring 99 acts asa toggle and when the clutch 9| is-thrown in either of two extremepositions, it is held to, that position by the spring 99. It will beobserved that the leverage of spring 99 about the axis of rotation ofyoke 94 is large compared tothe leverage exerted between the pins 95 andthat axis of rotation. Accordingly, a small powerful spring 99 affords alarge force for maintaining the clutch 9| in either of its extremepositions and for providing adequate clutch engaging, force.

A spiral gear IOI is mounted, on the shaft 90 with a running fit. Oneend of the spiral gear I0| is adapted to be engaged by the clutch 9|, inone of the two operating positionsv of the clutch, and a bearing I02 isprovided both for receiving the-end thrust of the spiral gear IOI andfor rotatably supporting the end of the shaft 90. The'bearing I02 isfixed in a plate I03, pressed intothe hollow post 82. Spiral gear I0'Imeshes with a like gear I04 fixed upon the shaft 91. Shaft 91 is mountedfor rotation in bearings I05 and I 06, fastened to the underside ofcover plate 80. A worm I0! is fixed to shaft 91 and is arranged to driveworm gear I08 fixed on shaftI09. Shaft I09 is supported for rotation,and against endwise movement, by a bushing II 0 mounted in bearing blockIII, fastened to the sidewall of the housing I8. Collar I I2 and collarI I3 of the worm gear I 08 are pinned to l the shaft I09 and engage thebushing IIO to prevent endwise movement of stub shaft I09. A spur gearH4 is fastened onto the end of stub shaft I09 and is arranged in meshwith internal gear H5, .pressed into the hollow screw 4 near one endthereof. The above described gear train affords a drive from the motor89 to the screw 4 in either direction of rotation and at a suitablespeed for raising the automobile.

A worm H6 is mounted on the shaft 90 with a running fit and is arrangedto be engaged, at one end, by the clutch 9|, and to bear against thebushing II! of the motor shaft bearing, at its other end. The worm H6 isarranged in engagement with worm gear II8 fixed on shaft 9 which ismounted for rotation in bearings I20 and ,I2I fixed on and dependingfrom the cover plate 80. The worm gear II8 serves as one head for a drumI22, the other head of the drum being indicated at I23 and being fixedupon the cable I24 is fastened to the frame of the auto mobile in anysuitable manner, not shown.

Cross beam I21 has depending legs I28 arranged to extend throughapertures I29 in the top plate 3. The cross beam I21 is provided toprevent rotation of top plate 3 relative to the base I, when the nut 8is traveling along screw 4 under the power of the motor 89. The crossbeam I21 extends across the hollow post 82 and the top of post 82 isslotted to seat the cross beam I21 therein. The cross beam I21 is shownin seated position in the post 82 in Figure 8. A shorttube I30, havingan inturned flange I3I, isfastened to the cross beam I21 in any suitablemanner as by welding, indicated at I32. The tube I30 is arranged insliding engagement with the collar 81, there being a space I33 betweenthe tube and collar and between the flanges of. thetube and the collar.A spring I34 is arranged in the space I33 and urges the cross beam I21in a downward direction, as viewed in Figure 8, toward slot engagingposition. The structure shown in Figure 8 involves the cross beam I21,the tube I30, and the collar 81 as a unit, the collar I30 being weldedto the cross beam I21 after the spring I34 is arranged in place and thetube I30 assembled on the collar 81. Other suitable structure may beprovided permitting disassembly of collar 81 and spring I34 from tubeI30 and cross beam. I21, if desired. The legs I28 of cross beam I21 areprovided with abutments I35 extending laterally therefrom and beingarranged to be engaged by the top of nut 8 as the latter approaches theuppermost position. Engagement of nut 8 with abutments I35 operates tolift the cross beam I21 upwardly, as viewed in Figure 8, against theresistance of spring I34, and to raise thecross beam I21 clear of theslot in the end ofpost-82.

An electrical switch I36 is arranged to be operated whenever the crossbeam I21 is lifted relative to the associated elements. The switch I36may be located in various suitable combinations with the other elements,one arrangement being illustrated in Figure 8 where it is within thehollow post 82 and is arranged with one end abutting the underside ofcross beam I21 and the other end of the switch abutting the insert plateI03. The electrical switch has telescoping parts I31 and I38 pressedapart by a suitable spring, not shown, so as to cause actuation of theswitch I36 when the cross beam I21 is raised relative to the post 82;the spring for operating switch I36 is weak compared to the strength of.spring I34; so that movement of the cross beam I21 will be under thecontrol of spring I34.

A structure. for supporting the unit illustrated inFigures '1 and 8 whenthe latter is in raised position beneath the automobile andready fortransportation therewith, is illustrated in Figure :9. @Across channelI39 extendsbetween the side frames of the automobile. P-awls I40 aremounted on the cross member ,I39 for sliding movement, being guided andheld in place by brackets I4I fixed to the cross plate I39. Compressionsprings I42 engage, at one end, thepawls I40 and at the other end, withbrackets I43, also fastened to the cross member I39. Cables I44 connectwith pawls I40 and extend about pulleys I45 mounted on thecross memberI39. The cables I44 lead to a common cable which in turn leads to a footpedal or other suitable operating means in the operators compartment ofthe automobile. The structure illustrated in Figure 4 for operating theyoke 51, of the form of invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, issuitable for the operation of pawls I40. Anopening is provided in thecross member I39 and is of a size and shape to pass the cross beam I21as well as the tube I30. Upward movement of cross beam I21 through theopening I46 causes the pawls I40v to move backward by engagement ofcross beam I21 with inclined faces I41 on pawls I40. As soon as thecross beam I21 has passed a central position relative to the pawls I40,the pawls I40 are urged back into place by springs I42. The slopingsurfaces I48 then engage the cross beam I21 and lift it relative to thepost 82 so as to actuate the switch I36. The stroke of the pawls I40 islimited by stop pins I49 on each pawl, which pins engage the bracketsI4I.

The top plate 3 has a margin 30, as in Figures 1, 2, and 3, see Figuresand 11. Brackets 3| are mounted on the edge 30 of the top plate 3 atseveral points about the circumference, as illustrated in Figure 3.Telescoping tubes I50 and I5I compose the collapsible elements by whichthe top plate 3 is connected with frame of the automobile, in the samemanner, as illustrated in.

Figures 2 and 3. Tubes I50 are provided with bifurcated extensions I52pivoted upon pins I53 carried in frames 3I. Extensions I52 are connectedto tubes I50 by collars I54 having apertures I55 there through. Leafsprings I56 are mounted internally of tubes I50. Each leaf springcarries a projection I51 adapted to extend through apertures I58 in thetube wall and to engage with apertures I59 in tube I5I. When theprojections I51 are in engaged position, they prevent relativetelescoping movement of the tubes I50 and I5I and forma rigidcompression load bearing member for supportingthe automobile from thetop plate 3. Links I60 are pivoted to leaf springs I56 adjacent to theprojections I51. The links I60 are pivoted together and joined to cableI6I at thepoint I62. The cable I6I extends from links I60 throughaperture I55, between the bifurcations of extension I52, and over thepin I53. The cable I6I is connected withthe end of bell crank lever I63.The bell crank lever I63 is pivoted on bracket I64, fastened to thetopplate 3. The arm I65 of bell crank I63 is arranged to be engaged bythe base I as the top plate 3 approaches its lowermost limit of movementtoward the base I. Engagement of arm I65 with base I rotates the bellcrank I63 in a clock-wise direction, to the position shown in Figure 10,and pulls the cable over the pin I53 to move the links I60, theprojections I51, and the leaf springs I56 to retracted position, whichis illustrated in Figure-11, When top plate 3 moves awayfrom base I,freeing the bell crank I63 for rotation about pivot I64, the leafsprings I56 operate to move projections I51 into en agement withapertures I59 in tube I5I.

An electrical circuit for thedevice of Figures 7 and. 8 is shown inFigure -12'.-- Theswitclr I36 is constructed and arranged for rotary'movement' of the switchblades through 90 degrees with-a snap action atthe end-of the stroke, when the 1 telescoping parts I31 and I38 of theswitch separate. The switch I36-is indicated diagrammatically in Figure12,- as consisting'of contact points I66, I61, I68, and I63, adapted tobe engaged successively by rotatable switch blade H0. The switch I36also has contacts HI and I12 ar-- ranged -for engagement byswitch bladeI13 and Switchblade I14. The switch blades I13 and I14 areelectricallyinsulated" from one 1 another. A switch I15, convenientlyarranged in the operatorscompartment of the automobile, is provided formanual manipulation to set thedevice into operation. If desired, theswitch I15 may bearranged-foractuation by the foot pedal, or otherinstrumentality provided for actuating cables I44- and paw1s-I40.- v VThe switch I15 has two positions of operation where the blade of switchI15 engages contacts I11-and I18.- Successive operation of switch I15-moves it from contact I11 to contact I18 and. vice'versa. The source'ofelectrical power I19 isconnected with switch I15-by conductor I80, andcontacts I11 and I18 are connected with switch blades I13'and M4 byconductors I8 I and I82 respectively. The-battery I19'isconnectedwithswitch blade I10'by conductor I83. Switch points I66,- I68, and I12 arejoined and connected to brush I84, of the-motor, by a conductor systemI85. C'ontacts I61, I69, and "I are connected with motor brush I86 byconductor system I81. i

The operation is as follows: With the lift in raisedposition andsupported by the pawls I40 on the cross member I39, the foot pedal,such-as indicated at 63 in-Figure-4,is actuatedto withdraw the pawls I40from -beneaththe cross beam I21, theswitch blade I15 being-moved intoengagement with contact I1:1 by the actuation of thefoot pedal.Switchblades I10, I13, and I14 of switch I36 are in the positionillustrated in Figure 12. The motor 89 is connected withthe source ofpower by the following circuit: Conductor I80, switch blade I15, contactpoint I11, conductor I8I, switch blade I13, contact I1I, conductor I81,brush I86,-brush I84, conductor I 85-,contact point I66,.switch bladeI10,-conductor-- I83, back to the source of power. Atthis time, the yoke94 is in a position such as toengage-clutch SI-WithWOrmIIG. r

- The motor-89 operates to drive the worm I I6 through clutch 9|. Theworm I16 drives the worm gear I I 8 ma direction to unwind the cable.The thread of the -worm II6'is suchthat, when turning to unwind thecable, the thrust is upwardly directed, as viewed in Figure 8. However,the tension on: the cable, due to theweight of the lift, exertsa torqueon'the'drum I22 and the worm gear I I8 in adirection such as tocounteract the end thrust of the worm I I 6. This force and the force ofspring 99, is adequate to hold the worm against bearing- II1. The cableI24unwindsuntilthe-base I rests on theground and, a slight amount ofslack being provided in the cable I24, the cable begins to-re-windin theopposite direction on the drum I22. When-the weight of the lift againtensions the cable; the resulting torque on the worm gear 8 is in adirectioni-co-acting with the-end thrust of'the worm H6. The combinedforcesara adequate to overcome spring 99 and tothrow clutch 9| throughdead .center position. This action disengages:- clutch 1 9 I from worm II6= and discon tinues' the drive of drum' I22. The action alsd throwsclutch 9| into engagement with thespiralgear 'IOI.'- v

- The motor continues :its operation in-the same 5 direction of rotationat the timethe clutch is thrownfrom worm II6 to spiral gear I01 and r0tation of's'piral gear IOI, ensues. Rotation of spiral gear IO-tdrivesspiral gear I04, worm III-1,

worm gear-I08, spur gear II4, and-internal gear 10,

H5 to rotate thescrewl. The thread ofthe spiral gear I0 I is such thatits rotationdevelops an end thrust upwardly directed, as viewed inFigure 8, which 'endthrustis receivedby bearing I02. utilized only tomaintainthe clutch 9I-in driving engagementwith the spiralgear- IOI.-The consequent rotation of screw- 4 is in a direction to cause nut8totravel up the screw.

I The initial upward movement of the nut 8;, and i top plate'3', permitsbell crank I63 to pivot. The leaf springs I56 then press the projectionsI 51- into engaging position. The projections enterslots I59, or areengaged by end'of'tube I5I-, as

the tubestelescopeslightly with operation of the 25 lift. As soon astheprojections become seated, the tubes I and I5I'become rigidcompressionmembers which support the car from the top plate 3, as it islifted.

'As the nut 8approaches the uppermost tion, 'abutments' I35 are engagedand further upwardmovement ofnut 8 raises the cross beam' I21 clear ofthe recess in the post 82. The movemento'f cross beam I21 relative tothe post 82- causesactuation of switch I36 and, at 'theend 35 of thestroke of the switch, it snaps so as to turn switch blade I10 intoengagement with switch point I61, and switch blade I13 into contact withswitch point I12; switch blade I 14 is-rigid with respect toswitch bladeI13 and the two switch 40 blades'move in unison.

Thelast described actuation of switch I36reverses the direction ofrotation of the motor 89, as-will be apparent from the circuit diagramof Figure '12; The cross beam- I21 being clear of 5 post 82'; the topplate 3, and the automobile supported therefrom, is free to-turn aboutthe verti-' calaxisof'screw 4 upon the bearing 15. As the turningmovement of the car begins, the inertia of the car tends to hold the nut8 against rota- 50 tion so that-such movement-of screw 4 relative tothe-nut 8--will-occur as is necessary to overcome the inertia of theautomobile to turning movement. Since the direction of rotation of themotor'89 and-'of' the screw 4 was reversed at the time switch" I36 wasactuated turning movement of screw 4"-relativet'o nut 8, duringinitiation of car rotation, causes--the=nut8 to travel down the screw 4slightly. This movement partially releases the cross-beam I21 fromengagement with abutments I35 so that the spring I34becomes effectivefor returning the cross beam into engagement with the notch in thepost82. The cross beam I21 having been turned from register with the slot inpost 82, the cross beam rides on the vents" furtherrotation of nut 8'and continued At thistime, the force of spring 99 1s 5 posi- 3Ooperation of screw 4 causes vnut 8 totravel down the screw 4.

As the nut 8 and top plate '3 approach thelow- I ermost position, bellcrank arm :I65 engages with the base I to rotate the bell crank I63,thereby drawing cable I6I toward the left, as viewed in Figure 11, whichaction withdrawsv the projections I51 from engaged position andreleases-the,

spiral gear IElI is exerted against .the clutch,

9 I, the spring 99 resisting that end thrust." Since the car is beinglowered, the only driving force required is that necessary to overcomethe friction between nut 8 and screw 4. The comparatively light load,together with the large gear reduction, imposes a comparatively: lightend.

thrust on spiral gear IBI so that the force of spring 99 is adequate toresist that thrust. When the nut 8 jams against the bushing 16, endthrust of the spiral gear IilI immediately increases to the point wherethe clutch 9| is moved downwardly and the yoke 94 is thrown past deadcenter position. This relieves the driving connection between the clutchSI and the spiral gear IllI and renews the drive of worm II6 from theclutch.

The direction of rotation of worm II6 now is the reverse of that whenthe lift was being lowered with the result that the end thrust of theworm H6 is downwardly, as viewed in Figure 8, and is received by bearingII1. The worm II6 drives the worm gear H8 in a direction reverse tothatduring lowering movement. The cable I24 isrewound on the drum I22and the lift is raised to-- ward the automobile, tubes I56 and I5Itelescoping together. The upward movement of the lift continues untilthe cross beam I21 engages the pawls I46, and moves those pawlsbackwardly' until the center of the pawls is passed. Then the pawls I46,under the force of springs I42, are returned to original position, thesloping faces I48 of the pawls engaging beneath the cross beam I21 andraising it relative to the post 82 so as to again actuate the switchI36. The last mentioned actuation of the switch I36 causes rotation ofswitch blade I10 into engagement with switch point I68 and rotation ofswitch blades I13 and I14 so that switch blade I14 engages switch point"I and switch blade I13 is free of engagement with any switch point.'At-this' time, motor operation ceases, since the blade I16 of switchI15 is engaged with contact I11 and contact I11 is connected byconductor I8I with switch blade I13 which is out of contact with anyswitch point. The operating parts of the lift and turntable have beenreturned to the position occupied when the cycle of operations hereindescribed began. At the time the blades of the switch I36 are in aposition 180 removed from the initial position, it will be observed byreferring to the circuit diagram of Figure 12 that movement of switchI15 to engage contact I18 will set the device into operation throughanother cycle like that before described. When the foot pedal, forreleasing the pawls I46 is next actuated, switch blade I15 will bevturned to engage switch point I18 and the samecycle of operations willbe started and carried through as above described.

bination of lift and turntable with structure for mounting the lift andturntable on an automobile, the whole to be carried with the automobileat all times as it travels. It is also intended to include, within thepurview of this invention, that form of lift and turntable adapted foruse at a particular location, such as in a driveway, with suitable meansfor engaging either theaxles or the frame of the automobile to raise itfrom.

the ground.

Any suitable framework having the requisite rigidity and strength, suchas angle irons or I-beams, rigidly fastened to the top plate 3 andarranged to engage either the axles or the frame,

or both, of the automobile in lifting it, may be provided for thestationary type of lift andturn- Such structure is not illustrated inthe table. drawings, it being well within the skill of the ordinarymechanic to devise and arrange-conventional structure for that purpose.While, for the purpose merely of lifting and turning an automobile, astructure for receiving the automobile load from the wheels of theautomobile, similar to the structure now found in service station use,may be provided for the stationary type of lift and turntable of thisinvention, it is desirable to provide such a superstructure or frameworkmounted on the top plate 3 of the stationary lift and turntable as willengage thecar frame or axles so as to leave the wheels free forservicing when the automobile is clear of the ground.

The device illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, provided with the requiredsuperstructure mounted on the top plate 3 for engaging the automobileaxles or frame, may, with modifications next to be described, be used asa stationary type of lift and turntable according to this invention. Thedevice of Figures 7 and 8 may be modified by eliminating the drum I22,and its supporting structure, by eliminating the cable I24, byeliminating the worm I16, and by eliminating the clutch SI and yoke 94with associated parts. These changes involve the elimination only ofthose parts intended for raising and lowering the lift and turntablerelative to the automobile, the structure for driving the screw 4 beingleft in-* tact as shown. The spiral gear IOI may be fixed to the shaft96 or a clutch, like clutch 9 I, may be provided but held in constantengagement with the spiral gear IIlI. Of course, the collapsible armsmade up of tubes I56 and I5I are replaced by the rigid superstructurefor engaging and dis} engaging the car frame or axles as the lift isoperated. The modified device of Figures '1 and 8 is equipped with alimit switch located similarly to limit switch 22, Figure 1. A suitableelectric circuit for the operationof the device of Figures '7 and 8 asthe stationary lift and turntable is shown in Figure 13. q

The switch, I26 is shown in Figure 13 as having contact points I81, I88,I89, and I90. Contacts I81 and I88 are arranged to be engaged byswitchblades ,I9I and I92, mechanically connected but electrically insulatedfrom one another, and adapted to turn through 180 upon each actuation ofswitch I36. Contacts I89 andIBil are arranged to be engaged by switchblades I93 and I94 which .are mechanically connected but electricallyinsulated from one another, and adapted toturn with switch blades I9Iand I92.

A limit. switch, I95 is provided, in the positio similar to that ofswitch 22 of Figure 1, where it is actuated when top plate it approachesbase I. Limit switch I95 is biased to closed. position'and ,Theinvention has been described as a comisopen only so long as it isengaged by top plate 3.

- A manuallyoperable switch I96 having contact pair I91 and I98, adaptedto be engaged by blades I99 and 200, inonedirection of throw of switchI96, andhaving contact pair I and 202, adapted to be engaged by bladesI99 and 200, in the other direction of throw of the switch. The sourceofelectricalenergy, 208, is connected with switch.

position illustrated in'Figure 13, and limit switch I95 is .open. To setthe device'into operation, switch I96 is thrown to engage blades I99 and200with contacts I91 and I98. A circuit is completed' as follows: Fromthe source of power. through blade 200, contact I98, conductor 209,blade .I93, contact I89, conductor 2I0 to motor brush 2; and throughblade I99, contact I91, conductor 2I2, blade I9I, contact I81, conductor2I3 to motor brush 2M. This circuit drives the motor in a direction toraise the automobile. Operation of the motor continues until nut 8engages abutments I35 and lifts cross beam I21 clear of. the notch inpost 82. This movement adjusts the device for turning the automobileabout a vertical axis, and at the same time, operates the switch I36through 180 so that blade I93 is moved into engagement with contact I90and blade I9I is moved into engagement with contact I88. This operationof switch I36 completes the circuit as follows: From the source ofpower, through blade 200, contact I98, conductor 209, blade I93, contactI90, conductor 2I5, limit switch I95, conductor 2I6 to motor brush 2M;andthrough switch blade I99, contact I91, conductor 2I2, switch blade I9I, contact I88, conductor 2I1 to motor brush 2I I. This circuitreverses thedirection of operation of the motor. The motor now operatesin a direction to move the not 8 down the screw and it will operate toturn the car to a predetermined angle, 180 in this instance, in the samemanner as described hereinbefore with regard to the car attached lift.When the car has been turned through 180, the cross beam I21 againengages the notch in post '82'and the nut travels down the screw 4 tolower the automobile to the ground. This operation of the motorcontinues until engagement of top plate 3 with limit switch I95 opensthe circuit, stopping the motor.

When it is desired again to lift and turn the automobile, switch I96 isthrown in the other direction to engage blades I99 and 200 with contacts20I and 202. The previous operation of the device left the switch I36with blade I94 in engagement with contact I89 and with blade I92 inengagement with contact I 81. Circuits are completedas follows: From thesource of power, through blade 200, contact 202, conductor 2I8, bladeI98, contact I89, conductor 2| 0, to brush 2II of the motor; and throughblade I99, contact'20l, conductor 2I9, blade I 92, contact I81,conductor 2I3 to brush 2I4. The motor is set into operation in adirection to raise the automobile. The' lift operates to its uppermostposition, automatically operates switch I36 to turn it toits originalposition, illustrated in Figure 13. Circuits are now completed asfollows: From the sourcg' of power, through blade 200,,contact 202,

conductor 2I8 blader.l94,.contact I90, conductor 2 I5, limit switch I95,conductor 2I6 to brush 2; andthrough blade I99, contact 20I, conductor2J9, blade I92, contact I88, conductor 2I1 to brushxZI I. The motor isreversed and operates to .turn the car 180 and then to lower theautomobile. to the. ground Operation of the motor continues until thetop plate 3 again engages limit switch I95 to openthe circuit and stopthe motor.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that by a single manipulation of-Switch I96,.at any time,-

the automobile may be lifted from the ground, turned around, set downand the device returned to its initial position automatically. Anyonecan operate the device.

. It is intended that the device not only be automatic initsoperationfor lifting and turning an automobile but that the device be operable tolift the. car up anddown, with or without turning it, at the will of, anoperator for servicing it, or,

in the instance ofuse of the device in garages or.

parking lots for facility in handling the automobile. It will beobserved that at any point in the cycle of operation, as described abovein connection with 'Figure 13, the switch I96 may be operated in theother direction of throw to reverse the motor and thus, to recede in thecycle. For example, if it is desired merely to raise the automobile toservice it, and then to lower it without turning it about, the followingcourse is pursued. With switch I36 as illustrated in Figure 13, limitswitch I95 open, switch I96 is thrown to engage contacts I91 and I 98.This sets the motor into operation by circuits before described to raisethe automobile. At any time before the lift reaches the uppermostposition, the operator may open the switch I96 andstop the lift, the carremaining in raised position. The operator may automobile, the motor maybe reversed in operation at any phase in the cycle, simply bythrowingthe switch I 96 in the other direction of throw, or stopping themotor by opening the switch and then, if desired, continuing the cycleby turning the switch I 96 back to its original position. Thus, it isevident that the device is amenable to complete automatic operation,initiated by the single manipulation of a switch, or is amenable toarbitrary control at the will of an operator.

7 .It will be apparent that the lift can be operated by anyone unskilledin mechanical arts to turn an automobile. Also, it may be operated byone familiar with mechanical devices to raise lower, .and turn anautomobile in any arbitrary manner, for servicing the automobile.

I Where the switches are arranged in the operators compartment, they maybe lock switches so as to prevent accidental operation.

' "The stationary type of turntable has been describedas a drive-wayturntable and servicing device. Obviously, the device is adapted forgarage and parking lot use, for servicing and automobile handling. Ifdesired, the base I may be equipped withcastors, to enable one to movethe raised automobile about.

' The invention has been described in detail to illustratethe invention.Itis not intended so to limit the'invention. Variations may be made inthe details of the device shown and described, as will be apparent toone skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined'in the following claims.

What I claim as my invention is as follows:

1. A lift and turntable comprising, in combination, a base, a hollowscrew havingone end mounted for rotation on the base, the axis of thescrew being vertical when in operative position, a post fixed to thebase and extending axially through the top of the screw, bearing meansbetween the upper end of the screw and the post, a motor mounted on thebase and arranged within the screw, a geartrain within the screw, andconnecting the motor and the screw, a nut on the outsideof the screw andin engagement therewith, means on the nut for engaging an object to belifted, means connected with the post for holding the nut againstrotation relative to the base.

2. A lift and turntable comprising, in combination, a base, a hollowscrew having one end mounted for rotation on the base,,the axis of thescrew being vertical when in operative position, 'a' post fixed to thebase and extending axially through'the'top of the screw, bearing meansbetween the upper end of the screw and the post,

I a motor mounted on the base and arranged within the screw, a geartrain within the screw, and

connecting the motor and the screw, a nut on the outside of the screwand in engagement therewith, means on the nut for engaging an object tobe lifted, means connected with the post for holding the nut againstrotation relative to the basefa'nd means for disconnecting the post andlast-mentioned means so as to permit rotation of the nut relative tothebase.

3. A lift and turntable comprising, in combination, a base, a hollowscrew having one end mounted for rotation on'the base, a post rigid withthe base and extending axially through the end of the screw distant fromthe base, bearing means at the end of the screw distant from the baseand engaged with the post, a motor mounted on the base within the hollowscrew, gear means for driving the screw from the motor, a nut "threadedon" the outside of the screw, releasable means for holding the nutagainst rotation relative to'the base.

' 4. A lift and turntable comprising, in combination; a base, a hollowscrew having one end mounted for rotation on the base, a post rigid withthe base and extending axially through the releasing said releasablemeans at will.

5. A lift and turntable comprising, in combination, a base, a hollowscrew having one end mounted for rotation on the base, a post rigid withthe base and extending axially through the end of the screw distant fromthe base, bearing means at the end of the screw distant from the baseand-engaged with the post, a motor mounted on the base within the hollowscrew, gear means. for driving the screw from the motor, a nut threadedon'the outside of the screw, releasable means for holding the nutagainst rotation relative to the base, means operable by travel of thenut on thescrew for automatically releasing said releasable means.

6. In combination, a lift and turntable for an automobile having'basemeans, lift means, and supporting means adapted to be raised relative tothe base means bythe lift means, collapsible structure mounted on thesupporting means and connected with the automobile frame, saidcollapsible structure. being constructed and arranged to permit raisingand lowering movement of the lift and turntable, as a unit, between theground and the automobile, means for converting the collapsiblestructure into compression load-bearing structure when the lift andturntable is arranged on the ground.

'7. In combination, a lift and turntable for an automobile having basemeans, lift means, and supporting means adapted to be raised relative tothe base means by the lift means, collapsible structure mounted on thesupporting means and connected with the automobile frame, saidcollapsible structure being constructed and arranged to permit raisingand lowering movement of the lift and turntable, as a unit, between theground and the automobile, means for converting the collapsiblestructure into compression load-bearing structure when the lift andturntable is arranged on the ground, means connected with the lift andturntable and connected with the automobile for raising and lowering thelift and turntable relative to the automobile.

8. In combination, a lift and'turntable for an automobile having basemeans, lift means, and

ranged totpermit raising and lowering movement of the lift andturntable,as a unit, between the ground and the automobile, means for convertingthe collapsible structure into compression load-bearing structure whenthe lift and turntable is arranged onthe ground, manually operable meansfor raising and lowering the lift and turntable relative to theautomobile.

9. In combination, a lift and turntable for an automobile'having basemeans, lift means, and supporting means adapted to be raised by the liftmeans, collapsible means connecting the supporting means withtheautomobile frame, said collapsible means being constructed andarranged to permit raising and lowering movement of the lift andturntable relative to the automobile, means for raising and lowering thelift and turntable relative to the automobile, means actuable by thelast-mentioned means for converting the collapsible means to acompression load-bearing means and for converting the load-bearing meansto the collapsible means.

10. In combination, a lift and turntable for an automobile having basemeans, lift means,

. the lift and turntable is in raised position relative to theautomobile.

operating the mechanism.

11.'In combination, .a lift and turntabler=for an automobile havingbase. means, lift means, and supporting meansadapted to be raised'b-ythe lift means, collapsible means connecting the supporting means to theautomobile, said col- 'lapsible means being constructed and arranged "topermit raising and lowering movementof the lift and turntable relativeto the automobile, means for converting the collapsible means to rigidload-bearing means when the lift and turntable is arranged on theground, powermeans for operating the liftand turntable to raise andlower the automobile, and means operable by said power means for raisingand lowering the lift and turntable relative to the automobile.

12.'In combination, alift and turntable for an automobile havingbase'meanslift means, and supporting means adapted to be raised by thelift means, collapsible 'means connecting 'the supporting means to theautomobile, said -collapsiblewmeansbeing constructed and arrangedtopermit raising and lowering-movement of the lift and turntablerelative to"therautomobile,

means for converting the collapsible means 'to rigid load-bearingmeanswhen the lift and turntable is arranged On the ground, power -rneans foroperating the lift and'turntable to raiseaand lower the automobile-andmeans operable-by said power means for-raising and loweringthe lift 'andturntable-relative to the automobile, said means for converting thecollapsible means being operable by operation'of the power means.

' 13. In .combination, a lift andturntable for an automobilehaving base511163118, lift means, and

supporting means adapted to be raised by the lift means, collapsiblemeans connecting the supporting means to the automobile, saidcollapsible means being constructed and. arranged "to "permit raisingand lowering movement of the lift and turntable relative to theautomobile, mechanism for converting the collapsible means to rigid loadbearing means, raising means for raising and lowering the lift. andturntable relative to the automobile, powermeans anddriving connectionsfrom the powermeans for operating the lift means, foroperatingtheraisingmeans, and-for '14. In combination, a lift and turntablefor-an automobile having base means,-lift means, and supporting meansadapted to be :raised :by the .lift means, collapsible meansconnecting'the supporting means'to the automobile, said collapsiblemeans beingconstructed and arranged to permit raisingandlowering-movement of the lift and turntable relative to theautomobilemechanism for converting the collapsible means to -rigidloadbearingmeansraising means for raising and low- -ering:,the,lift andturntable relative to the automobile, power means, driving means foroperating the lift means from the powermeans,- gear means for operatingthe raising means from the power .means, and means for automaticallyshifting the power means from driving engagement with the driving meansto the gear means, and from the gear means to the driving means,

.15. In combination, a lift and turntable for an automobile havingbasemeans, lift means, and

supporting means adapted to be raised by the lift means, collapsiblemeans connecting the supporting means to the automobile, saidcollapsible means being constructed and arranged to permit raising andlowering movement of the lift and turntable relative to the automobile,mechanism for converting the collapsible means to rigid loadbearingmeans, raising means for raisingand lowering the lift andturntableirelativeto the automobile, powermeans and driving means foroperating the .raisingmeans to lower the lift and turntable to theground, for shifting from driving the raising means to driving the liftmeans automatically, and'for driving the lift means to raise theautomobile.

:reverse the direction of operation of the power means when thesupporting means reaches uppermost position, and means for automaticallyturning the automobile about a vertical axis when the. supporting "meansreaches uppermost position.

-17. A lift and turntable comprising a base :means, a lift means, asupporting means adapted to support an automobile, electrical powermeans thersupporting means, said supporting means being mountedfor-rotation about a vertical axis, holding means for preventingvrotation of the supporting means relative to the base means, rerleasemeans operable by approach of the supportingmeans to uppermost positionto release the holding means soas to permit rotation of the supportingmeans about a vertical axis.

"18. A lift and turntable comprising a base foroperating the lift means,to raise and lower means, a lift means, a supporting means adapted 55 tosupport an automobile, electrical power means 1 for operating the liftmeans, to raise and lower 1 .the supporting means, said supporting meansbeing mounted for rotation about a vertical axis,

holding means for preventing rotation-of the sup-e40 porting meansrelative to the base means; release means operable by approach of thesupporting means to uppermost position to release :the holding means soas to permit rotation of the supporting means about a vertical'axis,automatic switch means on the lift and turntable operable concurrentlywith actuationof the release means,

.an electrical circuit including the power means,

the automatic switch means, and a source of elecpower means whenactuated.

19.,A lift and turntable comprising a base ,means, a lift means, asupporting means adapted to support an automobile, electrical powermeansc for operating the lift means, to raise and lower the supportingmeans, said supporting means being mounted for rotation about a verticalaxis,

holding means for preventing rotation of the sup- ,tricalenergy; saidautomatic switch means operating to reverse the direction of operationof the porting means relative to the base means, re-too lease meansoperable by approach of the supporting means to uppermost position torelease the holding means so as to permit rotation of the supportingmeans about a vertical axis, automatic switch means on the lift andturntable opc 65 erable concurrently with actuation of the releasemeans, an electrical circuit including the power means, the automaticswitch means, and a source -ofelectrical energy, said automatic switchmeans --operating to reverse the direction of operation'of 970 the powermeans when actuated, manual switch -means'-in the electrical circuitoperable to reverse the direction of operation of the power meansarbitrarily and independently of the automatic switch means.

20. A lift and turntable comprising a base means, a lift means, asupporting means adapted to support an automobile, electrical powermeans for operating the lift means, to raise and lower the supportingmeans, said supporting means being mounted for rotation about a verticalaxis, holding means for preventing rotation of the supporting meansrelative to the base means, release means operable by approach of thesupporting means to uppermost position to release the holding means soas to permit rotation of the supporting means about a vertical axis,automatic switch means on the lift and turntable operable concurrentlywith actuation of the release means, an electrical circuit including thepower means, the automatic switch means, and a source of electricalenergy, said automatic switch means operating to reverse the directionof operation of the power means when actuated, manual switch means inthe electrical circuit operable to reverse the direction of operation ofthe power means arbitrarily and independently of the automatic switchmeans, a limit switch connected in the circuit, operably by return ofthe supporting means to starting position for stopping the power meansand for setting the circuit to begin another cycle of operation.

ENOCI-I E. WOODMANQ

